Work

Artists have always been innovators. While there are certainly established paths for making a living as an artist, more often that not, artists have to work hard to cobble together a solid income. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many artists are making money during quarantine by getting creative.

In particular, many artists are pushing the boundaries of the online digital platform as a means of earning money while stuck at home during shelter-in-place orders. It is fascinating to see the direction art is taking right now, particularly where it intersects with small business and commerce. We could all learn by watching how artists are making money during quarantine.

Here are five key approaches I’ve seen so far:

1. Patreon

Patreon is one of the key platforms that artists use to earn money directly from their fan base. It’s been popular for several years now. I have an account, and although I only earn a little bit from it each month, it really helps my bottom line. I’ve noticed that more and more artists are taking advantage of Patreon as a means of making money during quarantine.

Of course, Patreon isn’t the only way that people drum up financial support from the people who know and love them. Some artists have turned to Go Fund Me or Kickstarter. The difference between the two is that supporters on Patreon commit to continued, ongoing monthly support whereas the other platforms are one-off means of generating a sum of money.

2. Online Performance Art

The means of making money during quarantine that I’m most fascinated by is the growing art of performing online for pay. Many of us have been more active on our screens lately, participating in meetings and celebrations via Zoom, House Party, Facebook Live, and Facetime. While we used these tools in the past, use exploded now that people are stuck at home. The way that artists are innovating in this digital space is fascinating to watch.

Increasingly, performers who can’t do their work in person are figuring out ways of making money during quarantine by performing online for ticket sales and/or tips. I’ve personally bought tickets to several online events and “attended” others that were offered free. For example, I recently went to a multi-room performance art event hosted by Vau de Vire Society, a group that puts on circus, burlesque, steampunk-inspired interactive performance art events in San Francisco. They took their skills online, and I was happy to pay for a ticket to check out the performances.

I also just watched a digital symposium hosted by SOMArts in which a number of different performers spoke about how they are taking their work online. For example, The Stud (a bar and artist collective in San Francisco that typically hosts in-person nightlife events) has begun hosting digital performance art through Twitch. Digital Drag also uses Twitch to create curated “live” streaming drag shows. Attendees pay for tickets, the performers get paid, and it’s also possible to tip any of the performers through their Venmo, Zelle, and other direct-pay accounts.

Seeing a performance on a screen is different from seeing one in person. Performing via screen is certainly different than performing for a live audience. But different doesn’t mean one is better and the other worse. Artists are innovating in very creative ways, making use of the digital space and the tools available for it to do new things that they couldn’t do on stage with their art. It’s not just a way of making money during quarantine; it’s a way to push creative boundaries that might extend into new forms of art in the future, even when COVID restrictions are completely lifted.

3. Hustling Up New Work

Working artists are good at the hustle. In other words, they are driven to create and in order to make enough money to create, they also work hard. Artists continue to do that today. Sometimes it’s in the same way as before, sometimes it’s in new ways. Some of the ways that artists I know are hustling up new work online include:

Refreshing blog content and working on getting ad revenue from their artist websites

Refreshing their resumes and coming up with new material to showcase on their websites as they look for new online freelance art opportunities

Freelance writing about their experiences as artists trying to make money during quarantine

Developing classes (or applying for existing work as art teachers) to teach others their skills

Self-publishing art and writing materials

4. Artist Grants/ Emergency Funding

Despite the fact that artists are innovating and hustling, many do find themselves without enough income right now. Luckily there are a lot of artist grants and emergency funding sources that people can apply for. Low-income artists, artists facing immediate emergencies, and artists in minority groups often get first priority. However, many of these grants are open to any working artist in need.

A few examples of some of the emergency grants and COVID-era funds for artists include:

5. Street Art and Mural-Making

While many of the ways that artists are making money during quarantine do take place in the digital sphere, I wanted to emphasize that there are still other options. For example, I live on a busy street in San Francisco. All of the retail stores have been boarded up for about two months since the shelter-in-place orders went into effect. Graffiti / street art cover many of those storefronts. While that doesn’t pay the artist’s bills, they do include their Instagram handles on the art images so that they can generate a following online which can translate to money down the line.

Moreover, some stores hired independent artists to professional paint the boarded-up windows. I particularly love seeing these pieces. They are big and bold. They add beauty to the street. More than anything, they are a nice collaboration between small businesses, local artists, and the community. Plus people pay the artists to do the work, which they can do while maintaining proper social distancing protocols. It’s a win-win way that artists are making money during quarantine.

What do you see as the most innovative ways for artists to make money during quarantine?

When it comes to the monthly budget, wiggle room is hard to come by for most people. Whenever a new expense comes up, we are always looking for what we have to go without to compensate. Well, what if you didn’t have to sacrifice anything to have an extra date night? What if that new yoga membership didn’t mean you have to give up post-work drinks on Friday? All this is possible, and you may be able to pull it off with your own cheap hobbies! To show you how this is possible, here are some cheap hobbies that can make you money.

Driving Around

DO you have a comfortable car, and enjoy cruising around your area? Uber and Lyft have become mainstays for side-hustlers. Sign up for an account, grab some snacks and drinks for the back seat, and earn that extra dough! Be careful about this one, and make sure you have the right vehicle. Certain higher-end vehicles depreciate heavily with mileage, and the loss you’ll take on that can compound with premium gas expenses to rapidly make this one not worth it. Older reliable cars that just barely make the year/make/model requirements for the apps are the best option. these have already depreciated, and are probably cheaper to fix. Bonus points if you have a hybrid!

Cooking

Got some skill in the kitchen, and need some extra fun-money? Not only can being a good cook save you cash on eating out, it can also be monetized by selling the food you make! You can sell homemade snacks to coworkers, cater for parties, or even work on the side as a private cook. There are options here for all skill levels, as dealing some easy pastries at work doesn’t take too much expertise and will make you an office favorite. The more you can make, the more money you can bring in, and this one is very easy to work around your own schedule.

Tutoring

Do you have a degree in a high-demand field, and love to teach? Tutors can make great money on the side using online sites like Varsity Tutors or even Craigslist. You can also become a part-time staffed tutor at local educational institutions for a more reliable workload. Usually a degree is required, which elevates the pay past your usual side hustle. Tutoring holds an extra special spot on this list, as you are earning money by helping educate your community. Not only are you providing better for yourself or your family, you’re also giving back to those around you. It doesn’t get much better than that!

If you have dreams of entrepreneurship, don’t quit your day job just yet. As lovely as it would be, you can’t start a business for free. Here are only a handful of the fees you’ll incur to get started.

Federal Requirements

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is one of your first steps to starting a business. To request a number for your business, you will fill out an SS-4 on paper or online at the Internal Revenue Services website. Completing the process online takes a few minutes and is free. You will receive an email with an official letter providing your EIN, which you need to keep in a safe place. You need this number to file your federal income taxes whether you’re a sole proprietor or larger entity. This number is also essential when you open a business bank account. Your financial institution will need your EIN to report any income, such as interest earned, to the IRS.

Trademarks and patents are additional costs you have to consider. They can be extremely expensive, primarily because you will more than likely need legal advice. Make sure you factor all of your needs while registering to protect your intellectual property.

State Requirements

Your next step is to register the name of your business with your state. Each state has different requirements, but a good number of them allow online filing. There are fees to register your business name, your tax status, and your trade name – “Doing Business As.” In some states, you need to register with your county for taxes too. If you plan to incorporate as a limited liability corporation, there may be additional fees. Prepare to spend two to three hundred dollars upfront, and around one hundred dollars every year to keep your business active.

You may have additional conditions based on your type of business. For example, if you plan to work in real estate in Florida, you have several requirements. You must apply, get fingerprinted, take the required courses, and pass the licensing exam within two years. These can add on over two hundred dollars, depending on your class format.

Other Costs

Keep in mind that all of these costs are before you started working in your business. We haven’t gotten to the intangibles yet. In our technology-driven world, you will need a website. Domains can run from $3 to $12 per year, depending on the site. Namecheap.com tends to have the best prices over GoDaddy and others. If someone else owns the web address you want, it could cost you hundreds or thousands to buy your specific domain.

Luckily, you can use a template to build your website. When you build your website through Wix or Squarespace, you may end up paying more because you’re purchasing through a third party. However, it is far less time consuming because coding can take a long time. Plus, the templates you can choose are attractive and come formatted for different devices.

Some other intangible costs to consider are marketing and branding. Do you want to have sponsored posts on Instagram? Are you selling insurance by having your face on a bench at a bus stop? Perhaps you want custom t-shirts or polo shirts with your logo and slogan? Your budget and preferred method will determine how much you spend.

I know this sounds like a lot, and it is. However, if you want to own your own business, think of it as an investment. Plus, all of the fees incurred that are directly related to your business are now tax writeoffs. Does that change your perspective?

Mindful working encompasses a variety of different practices. It includes ways to practice mindfulness throughout your work day. This allows you to stay present, centered, and calm regardless of what’s going on around you. Mindful working also means that you approach your career path with intention even as you stay grounded in the moment.

Mindfulness at work has a variety of health benefits. We see those benefits when practicing mindful working. Moreover, you might think that slowing down at work would negatively impact your career. However, mindful working can actually lead to a better work life and possibly even more money in your bank account.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a really trendy term. In fact, it’s become quite controversial. Mindfulness is one form of meditation practice. There is certainly a whole art to meditation. Therefore, if you want to dig deep into mindfulness, then you may wish to take courses and learn more.

That said, the concept of mindfulness is really a very simple one. It’s the practice of staying aware of all things happening inside of you and outside of you in the present moment. It’s awareness without judgment.

In other words, you may never stop having random thoughts, but with mindfulness, you become aware of those thoughts. Over time, the thoughts hold less power. You can watch them occur without reacting.

What Is Mindfulness at Work?

Mindful working simply means taking the concept of mindfulness and apply it to your work life. There are two key aspects to this:

Practicing mindfulness in your day-to-day work life

Taking a mindful, intentional approach to career planning

Daily Practices in Mindful Working

If this is something that interests you, then the majority of your effort will be in the first aspect: practicing mindful awareness every day at work. Additionally, you’ll practice mindfulness when you’re outside of work but find thoughts of work intruding on your mind.

When You’re At The Office

Examples of this at work mean that you:

Set a daily intention upon arrival to remain as present as possible throughout the day.

Single task instead of trying (and failing) to multitask.

Take breaks to breathe, focus on what’s around you, and clear your mind.

Practice gratitude throughout the workday.

Tune in to your body to check for stress and reactivity, pausing to ground yourself accordingly.

You also implement a variety of different techniques to limit distractions. You turn off all of the notifications on your devices so that they aren’t constantly pinging at you. Perhaps you have a “closed-door” time each day at the office when coworkers aren’t to interrupt you. As much as possible, you create a schedule and setting that enhances your ability to do one thing at a time with complete focus.

When You’re At Home

These days, work doesn’t take place from 9-5. Maybe you work from home. Or perhaps you work from an office, but your job calls upon you to answer emails at all hours. Mindful working means that you find a way to delineate “work time” and “rest time” even though that’s a challenge.

If you never turn off, then you’re stressing your body and mind. This isn’t healthy, and it isn’t productive. People need downtime to replenish their internal resources. Without that time, you end up running on empty. You’re not giving your best self to the job or the other things in your life.

Therefore, you find ways to be completely present at home or with friends when that’s where you are. You limit contact with work during out-of-office hours. If you work for yourself, you still create “out of office” hours when you can wind down. You practice meditative and centering exercises to train your brain that it doesn’t constantly have to think about what’s going on at work.

Planning Your Career Intentionally

Mindfulness is about staying in the present moment. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t apply it to planning out your career. In fact, approaching your career trajectory with mindfulness can greatly improve your job satisfaction as well as your overall quality of life.

This simply means that you actively schedule times to think about your work plans. For example, you might do a monthly review of your goals for the year and an annual review of your long-term goals. During those times, you focus intensively and intentionally on planning out your next steps.

Outside of those times, you practice just being in the moment, knowing that you’ve got a plan in place, so you don’t have to worry. People worry about their jobs constantly. They worry about what’s next, how the economy will affect their job security, whether or not they’re moving up in their work, how to get more business … This distracted mind isn’t healthy, and it isn’t productive.

Benefits of Mindful Working

Mindful working offers a vast array of benefits. More than anything else, you should see a better state of mind, which in turn leads to some terrific physical health benefits. But you may also find that working more mindfully improves your career, too, which allows you to earn more money over time.

Mindful working means that you’ll make choices that are right for you. This improves your relationship with your career. In turn, this can mean better career advancement, which could mean earning more money.

Moreover, it also means that you are happier with what you have. Therefore, even if you don’t technically earn more, you may be happier with your earnings. If you’re happy at work, then you’re less likely to engage in spending to “make up for” not enjoying your job.

Summer jobs used to almost be a right of passage for teenagers. However, only one-third of teens (ages 16 to 19) held a job over the summer. In the early 2000s, at least 60 percent of working-age teens held a summer job. So, what is causing teens to bail on working during summer vacation?

Why Fewer Teens Have Summer Jobs

One reason teenagers simply aren’t seeking out summer jobs is time constraints. About 45 percent of teens are enrolled in summer classes (up from 10 percent in 1985).

“Families are focusing now on education — getting good grades and being college-ready,” Ellen Davis, president of the National Retail Federation Foundation, stated. “Students are also focusing on athletics. A lot of teenagers are opting out of the workforce, and many of them aren’t finding their first job until they graduate from college. That has huge implications, not only for businesses who are trying to hire young people but also for young people who aren’t learning the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.”

Because of this, many businesses are searching for older workers to fill the positions that may normally be filled by teens. In summer 2000, 24 percent of the food service workers were teenagers. Last year, that fell to just 19 percent, while food service workers 55 and older rose 4 percent (from 8 to 12). This has led to companies like McDonald’s to partner with AARP to fill seasonal roles.

Other large employers, like Walmart, are still attempting to appeal to teenage employees though. The retailer has begun to offer SAT and ACT prep courses to teen employees. These courses may usually hinder teens from working, however, with it being scheduled and backed by the company, scheduling conflicts won’t occur.

It is still up in the air as to whether the trend will continue to swing downward in the years to come. One thing is certain though, teens are focusing on school and sports more than nailing down a job (and money of their own).

Readers, what do you think about this? Should teens have summer jobs or should they be more focused on school?

Have you ever seen those guys on the side of the road at freeway off-ramps or busy cross streets holding up a sign that reads something like “No Job. Hungry. Will work for food or money” and wondered who they were? At least some of them are like me because I was there once.

It was a few years ago when I had gone through a acrimonious divorce and lost my job at the same time. The combined result was that I found myself both homeless and penniless and wondering how I was going to survive.

I made the decision to stand on the side of the road with a sign asking for help. It wasn’t a proud moment, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. At the time, it was one of the few ways that I could earn money to advance myself to a better place.

Begging on the Side of the Road Isn’t Easy

When I began, I assumed that I would work for the food or money, but it soon became apparent that I would earn most of the money from people generous enough to give me a few dollars. Most days nobody would offer me actual work even though I offered with each donation given. It also became apparent that you could earn a decent amount doing this. I usually left with over $100 in my wallet after a day holding a sign.

I would get work offers from time to time and I always took these when offered them. The work varied, but usually was manual in some way. I always worked for what the person offered and most times this was fair.

Earning money this way came at a price. It doesn’t take long to realize that standing on the side of the road asking for help makes most people really uncomfortable. It may not seem like a big deal, but it takes a lot of energy and stamina to keep going when you know that most people would rather that you not be there and disrupt their drive.

I did not waste the money that people gave to me. I was able to save enough to get an apartment, get a job and get myself back on my feet.

I’m not sure I could have gotten out of debt without the help of others. I ended up doing something that I never imagined I would need to do, but sometimes when life throws curve balls you need to make tough decisions. I would never encourage someone to stand by the road if they didn’t need to, but I would also not discourage someone from doing so if that is what they need to get back on their feet.

Do you have a story about saving money or earning money that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear about it.